Why Can't We? / Daniel Seavey

16|advice

He stepped back from me and smiled. I grew more confused. 

"Alaska, this is my sister. Anna," He said pointing to her, I let out a sigh. Anna got up and stood next to Daniel. 

"You know it's funny because when you and Daniel met for the first time he texted me for advice, our entire family thought he was joking." She said pulling me into a hug. 

"I feel really honored that I'm meeting you-" I paused. "I'm sorry I just thought of something else when I saw you two." I laughed awkwardly. Even though it was dark and Daniel was backlit from the fire I could still make out his jaw literally dropping. 

"Oh my god Alaska-" Daniel started, I cut him off not wanting to discuss the topic. He sat down and motioned for me to sit with him. The other four boys surrounding the fire and had a conversation between themselves.

"Anyway! Daniel told me you were gonna be a senior, what are your plans for after high school?" I asked as I sat between Daniel's legs, he wrapped one of my arms and propped himself up on the other. He rested his chin on my left shoulder. I grabbed his hand and held it tightly in mine. 

"Well, right now I think I want to model. But I'm still going to apply for colleges. I'm hoping to go to New York City. Maybe FIT?" 

My face lit up, "Funny you say that actually because I model for a big agency called IMG-"

"No way! That's so cool I just thought to start was the hardest part and I never really knew how to. Please tell me everything." Anna said clasping her hands together. 

I laughed. "I can talk to my agent and see if I can get you in. They're always looking for new people, I just can't guarantee you'll be on the cover of magazines any time soon. But it'd be a cool thing to do for the summer." I suggested. Anna squealed and smiled widely. 

"Okay Daniel might say he loves you but I think I love you more." She said pulling out her phone. I laughed to myself and attempted to turn around. I met Daniel's eyes and he smiled.

"Hey there," He said going cross-eyed. "I know it might be crazy but I wanted you to meet my sister and she was coming down to Los Angeles anyway so I thought it'd be a good time."

"I would try to attempt to say I'm mad, but literally this is perfect," I said leaning closer to him. Our noses grazed each other. I smiled but kissed his forehead instead. 

-

It was close to midnight and the fire on the beach started to burn out. Daniel, Anna and I took Daniel's mustang back to the Why Don't We house. Daniel was clearly tired.

"I can drive Daniel," I said as the three of us walked back to the car. 

"Are you sure? Can you drive stick?" He asked 

"Can I drive stick?" I mocked. "Hell yes, I can drive stick, give me the keys." 

Daniel threw the keys at me and I caught them. The rest of the boys piled into the Chevy Tahoe that Corbyn would be driving. I climbed into the driver's seat, Anna climbed into the back seat and Daniel sat in the passenger's seat. I put the key into the ignition and started the car as I adjusted the seat and the mirrors to coexist with my height. I put directions on back to the house and backed out of the parking space. I drove towards the exit and the boys followed behind me. Before exiting the beach I stopped the car.

"Why are you stopping?" Daniel asked. I put up a finger to signal silence. I depressed the clutch and locked the emergency brakes. I released the clutch making the tired spin and causing some smoke to come from the back tires. I didn't get too carried away, I released the clutch, brake and eased on our way to the house. "You have to teach me how to do that," Daniel said in awe.

The drive was interesting, Daniel was surprised that a smalltown girl from Long Island could drive stick, Anna and I hit it off and Daniel announced that he and the band had a show to go to in a few weeks in Portland. 

"Wait, does that mean Alaska is going to come? Is she going to meet Mom and Dad?" Anna asked excitingly from the back seat. I looked at her from the rearview window. 

"The show is on a weekend so we're leaving Saturday morning and coming back late Sunday afternoon. So I know you wouldn't have work-" Daniel paused putting his hand on top of mine. "But yes, I'd really like it if you came and met my entire family. We'd stay at my parent's house and it'll be fun!" Daniel said.

"Of course I'll come!" I laughed exiting the highway. "Do you think they'll like me?" I asked concerningly. 

"They're going to love you!" Anna said joyfully, "Really you're a gem. You're so sweet and caring and I can't even describe it." 

"Alright, I think I have Anna's approval. So I don't think it'll be so hard to get your parents to enjoy my company." I said.

"They're going to love you," Daniel reassured. "Anna, are you going to crash on the couch tonight? I was going to go sleep at Alaska's apartment-"

"I have a spare bedroom so if you don't want to deal with the boys, you can come stay with us." I offered.

"I'd love that, thank you." 

-

Anna and I stood together on the deck while Daniel was showering in my bathroom. 

"How do you even afford this?" She asked breaking the silence.

"I don't know, after a lot of hard work and dedication." I paused. "I'm sure Daniel has told you all about it."

She laughed. "He doesn't get into the deep stuff, he seems protective about your past. And he's definitely protective of you. Listen, I know my brother so well. And I know you two have only known each other for so long but he loves you. And he would give up literally anything for you. He told me if it came down to you or your music he'd give up everything he's worked for. When he talks about you, you can tell he is in love with you."

"Are you serious?" I asked furrowing my eyebrows. 

"Daniel Seavey is in love with you Alaska. This is his first relationship. So please go easy on him-" Anna's eyes were soft and even in the dim lights, I could tell she meant what she said. Cars drove past on the street below us. We each watched as they passed. Silence fell over the city of Los Angeles for a second.

"I'm afraid of hurting Daniel, I've had such a past that sometimes I tend to push everyone away when all they want to do is care for me."

"I get that, I totally get it. But one day you're gonna have to let someone in, and Daniel is really fucking stubborn and he's gonna want to make you feel better in your darkest days."

"I'm in a tad bit of trouble with my family back at home and honestly I'm concerned he's gonna get involved." I sighed

"If you want to protect him, don't tell him."